As the entertainment world gears up for one of its most anticipated evenings, the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards is set to dazzle audiences on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Hosted for the fourth consecutive year by comedian and television personality Chelsea Handler, the event promises a star-studded celebration of the best in film and television. The ceremony takes place at the iconic Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, a venue that has become synonymous with glitz and glamour over the years.
The Critics Choice Awards, known for honoring both cinematic and television achievements, will be broadcast live on both coasts from 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. Fans eager to catch every moment—from red carpet arrivals to acceptance speeches—can tune in on E! and USA Network, or stream the event via DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. For those who miss the live airing, Peacock will offer the ceremony the following day, making it easier than ever for viewers to stay connected to the action.
Before the main event, the festivities kick off with the LIVE from E!: Critics Choice Awards red carpet special. Beginning at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET, this two-hour spectacle is hosted by Justin Sylvester, Keltie Knight, Will Marfuggi, and Erin Lim Rhodes. According to E! Online, the special provides fans with exclusive interviews, glamorous fashion moments, and a first look at the evening's celebrity guests as they arrive. Erin Lim Rhodes will also host E!'s CreatorCam from 3:15 p.m. PT/6:15 p.m. ET, offering behind-the-scenes access streamed across E! News’ Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, as well as USA Network’s social platforms. This digital coverage ensures that fans everywhere can experience the excitement, whether watching from home or on the go.
This year’s nominations have generated considerable buzz, with Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners emerging as the clear frontrunner. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan, leads the pack with a remarkable 17 nominations. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sinners is in the running for major awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), and Best Young Actor/Actress (Miles Caton). The film’s sweeping recognition extends to technical categories as well, such as Best Casting and Ensemble, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Stunt Design, Best Score, and Best Sound. It’s a testament to the film’s broad appeal and the talent of its cast and crew.
Trailing closely behind is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which has garnered 14 nominations. This film, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor, will compete head-to-head with Sinners in several top categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), and Best Supporting Actress (Teyana Taylor). Both films are also recognized for their achievements in casting, cinematography, and sound, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown on awards night.
In the television categories, Netflix’s Adolescence stands out with six nominations, including a nod for Best Limited Series. As reported by E! Online, the show’s strong performance underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms in the awards landscape. Other notable TV contenders include Nobody Wants This with five nominations, and a group of four-time nominees: All Her Fault, Death by Lightning, Ghosts, Hacks, Severance, The Diplomat, and The Pitt. With such a diverse slate of nominees, the Critics Choice Awards continues to reflect the evolving tastes of audiences and critics alike.
For those wondering how to catch the action, there are more options than ever before. Both E! and USA Network are included in streaming packages from DirecTV, which offers a five-day free trial for new users, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter. Sling’s Blue Plan and Orange & Blue Plan, currently discounted for the first month, also carry both networks. Hulu + Live TV bundles E! and USA Network alongside Disney+ and ESPN+, with a three-day free trial available for those looking to sample the service. These varied streaming options make the Critics Choice Awards accessible to cord-cutters and traditional viewers alike.
Digital engagement is a cornerstone of this year’s coverage. E!’s CreatorCam will run from 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT to 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, providing unfiltered, behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet via social media. Fans can watch exclusive moments with hosts and sponsors, including Avocados from Mexico and Marshalls, who will feature in special segments on fashion and celebration. After the main event, E! will air Live RE!CAP: Critics Choice, hosted by Will Marfuggi, Robyn Delmonte, and Monét X Change, from 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT to 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. This post-show coverage will be available on E! network, eonline.com, and across E! News’ and USA Network’s YouTube, X, and Facebook accounts, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat even after the awards have been handed out.
As always, the Critics Choice Awards red carpet is a highlight in its own right. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the LIVE from E! special will feature not only celebrity interviews but also fashion analysis and real-time social media engagement. Marshalls will keep the celebration going with a RE!CAP segment on red-carpet inspired fashion, while E! Entertainment’s Instagram will give viewers a live look at all the Glambot action.
For film buffs and TV enthusiasts alike, the Critics Choice Awards is more than just a ceremony—it’s a night that reflects the pulse of the industry. The sheer number of nominations for films like Sinners and One Battle After Another speaks to the depth and quality of this year’s contenders, while the dominance of streaming platforms like Netflix in the TV categories highlights shifting industry dynamics.
With Chelsea Handler returning as host, fans can expect the same blend of wit, irreverence, and showbiz sparkle that has made her a favorite in past years. As the cameras roll and the stars assemble at Barker Hangar, all eyes will be on who takes home the coveted trophies—and who turns heads on the red carpet.
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 promises an evening of surprises, celebration, and unforgettable moments, continuing its tradition as a bellwether for awards season and a showcase for the best in entertainment.
